12.5 GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Component Maintenance Notes and precautions
Gel-coat
CAUTION

The alteration of colour and brightness in areas which are highly exposed is considered normal. The necessary polishing has to be considered as normal maintenance.

MAINTENANCE

At least once a month carefully clean all fibreglass parts.
At least once every six months check the status of the fibreglass.
When necessary, but at least once every two years, polish all fibreglass parts.

Formation of bubbles
Regular cleaning
(as required)
In some areas of the yacht, bubbles may form on the gel-coat; these bubbles can break over time, thus exposing the fibreglass underneath. The drawback occurs generally in vicinity sharp angles, and depends on air bubbles that, during fabrication, remain entrapped between fibreglass and gel-coat, although quality checks are carried out by specialised personnel. Broken gel-coat bubbles are easy to repair by filling the voids and touching up with gel-coat that can be requested from the RIVA After Sales & Service Department.
CAUTION

Always wash using neutral products. In case of particularly persistent dirt, do not use products containing ammonia which can turn the surface yellowish.

Formation of cracks
Regular cleaning
(as required)
When underway, some structural parts of the yacht are subject to bending, and create tension or compression stresses in fibreglass and on the gel-coat; the different elasticity of gel-coat and fibreglass can cause small cracks on the gel-coat surface, in particular in the most stressed areas, e.g., near cleats, stanchions, etc.. This problem, however, does not jeopardize the mechanical and structural characteristics of fibreglass.
CAUTION

To remove gelcoat, do not use sandblasting methods that may damage the surface of the anti-osmosis resin applied and could expose fibres. As suggested by gel-coat Manufacturers, use suitable products or, as an alternative, wet sand.

Wood and upholstery Regular cleaning The worst enemies of these materials are light and moisture; to protect them, they must be kept away from direct light as much as possible and the interior must be ventilated as soon as the weather conditions allow. The use of external awnings is extremely important because there is no species of wood, either natural or dyed, which, when exposed to the sun’s rays, does not undergo a change in colour.
The woods used for the yacht’s fittings are exclusively natural-based materials carefully selected and the painting cycles with which they are treated comply with environmental regulations. Furniture made of wood, precisely because of the natural origin of both the material and the treatments, may be subject, if not properly treated and maintained, to:
  • Colour variations due to exposure to direct and continuous light. It is advisable to shade the heavily exposed parts;
  • Retention of dirt if not cleaned promptly, given the characteristic absorbency of wood fibres. It is recommended to use non-aggressive products;
  • Scratches and marks if in contact with sharp or metallic objects, due to the inevitable relative “softness” of the wood.

Despite the painting cycles developed after many years of experience, wood remains a “living” material, and therefore subject to movement and settlement.
Scratches causes by bumps must be repaired immediately, to avoid the blackening of the wood below. The technical staff of the RIVA After Sales & Service Department will advise you about the maintenance level you have to apply at the end of each season’s use. Correct maintenance will allow you to avoid deterioration which is expensive to repair.

CAUTION

The extremely fine finish of glossy varnished woods is waterproof, but it is also delicate and requires proper maintenance. Such surfaces must therefore be dried after use or after rain and must be washed and maintained regularly.

CAUTION

Upholstery and wooden parts: the leather and wooden parts have to be treated as natural products, subject to colour alteration, particularly if the necessary precautions for good maintenance are not taken. RIVA therefore reserves the right to evaluate any problems and its own responsibility according to case.

MAINTENANCE

At least once a week, carefully wash and clean all teak outside parts, and at least once a year perform a protective treatment with suitable products.

CAUTION

Current use:

  • Do not walk or jump on the cushions;
  • Prevent the cushions from turning yellow due to direct exposure to sunlight;
  • Prevent the absorption of water or moisture by not leaving the upholstery exposed to bad weather, particularly during periods of inactivity.

Cleaning:

  • Remove ordinary dirt with a warm water solution and neutral soap: do not use deter- gents or solvents;
  • Dry with a soft rag, not leaving any residues.

Preservation:

  • Store clean and dry upholstery in a cool, ventilated room with no moisture;
  • Do not place heavy objects on upholstery when stored.
Teak Regular cleaning

The characteristic of teak is its resistance to weathering and therefore, it does not require maintenance. Over time, teak tends to assume a particular silver colour that may not appeal; in this case, to maintain the original colour of the teak, it needs to be treated regularly with specific products (e.g. teak wonder).
If the wood has smears that cannot be removed with normal washing, it is necessary to sand the wood to remove stains, and then repaint with wonder teak.
You must use fresh water and manual brush (no hard bristles) at least once a day. This will remove any machinery, common dirt from feet and shoes, and normal environmental salt. This process, if carried out regularly, allows constant maintenance of your teak and caulking. In this case only time and wear will naturally deteriorate this product.

CAUTION

Do not clean the teak with stiff brushes, as even rubbing the grain lengthways can damage the softer grain of the wood.

Non-black caulking may not behave in the same way as the black one.
Any aesthetic issues, such as surface mildew, colour variations, dirt in the caulking are not defects and may be prevented with regular maintenance and service on the teak surface and caulking.
Leather cushions Regular cleaning
NOTE

For correct cleaning and care of the leather cushions, refer to the use and maintenance document provided in the annex to this manual.



Ceilings Panels Regularly check the flatness of the panels and / or any discontinuities or steps between the ceiling panels Whenever the ceilings are disassembled, it is compulsory to check the status of the Fit Lock or/ and 3M Dual Lock fastening systems, breakage of the teeth, and/ or the entire system.
WARNING

Do not install Fit Lock or 3M Dual Lock ceiling panels with damaged fastening systems, due to a possible reduction of their retention power.
Damaged parts must absolutely be replaced with new ones.

In order to be sure that the ceilings have been reassembled correctly, check flatness with the other ceiling panels and the absence of discontinuities and steps between one ceiling panel and the others.
Light alloys and stainless steel Regular cleaning It is a good rule to accurately wash the entire yacht after each navigation, in particular all metal parts that may be damaged by sea water. Have plenty of fresh water sprayed on handrail, windows, skylights, rub rail, anchors, cleats and ladder.

Protect all metal parts with Vaseline oil periodically.
MAINTENANCE

At least once a year check the fastening of all metallic parts of the yacht.

CAUTION

Never use brushes or abrasive rags on metallic fittings, not even on rusty spots, scratches on the surface result in a less shiny appearance and diminish the mechanical features.

Outer furniture and cushions Periodical cleaning (as required)

General care and cleaning guide

Remove the cushions from the seats on a regular interval and let their bottom side and the seat surface dry. When washing or when it is raining, remove the cushions and stow them in a covered place; however, when cushions are wet, remove them from their seats, to prevent that water or humidity remain entrapped between cushions and underneath surface. This could affect the gel-coat and also create osmosis bubbles and deteriorate the cushion cover. The cushions must be washed with running water; do not use jet-cleaners, brushes or abrasive sponges.

MAINTENANCE

Rags and chamois leathers used for cleaning glass must be replaced at least every 3 months. The inner side of windows and windscreen can be cleaned with non-aggressive and non-acid detergents for glass and a soft or paper cloth.

  • For light soiling, a solution of 10% PH neutral soap in warm water applied with a soft damp cloth. Rinse with clean water and dry.
  • For heavy soiling, dampen a soft white cloth with a one to one (1:1) solution of an all-purpose and dye free household cleaner water. Rub gently and rinse with a water dampened cloth.
CAUTION

Do not use alcohol based cleaning agents!

CAUTION

Do not use aggressive detergents and/or solvents, which will cause immediate damage and contribute to deterioration of the material.

CAUTION

Do not keep exposed to UV (solar light) for a long time without protections: when do not in use, take care to remove the cushions and stow them in a cover place or, if weather is good (not in raining days), you should cover the cushions to prevent deterioration.

CAUTION

When not in use, remember to remove the sun-bathing cushions from their seats and to let them dry, so that no water or humidity remains between the cushions and the surface underneath.
When washing the yacht or in case of rain, remove the cushions and stow them dry in a covered place.
When possible, protect from direct exposure to the sun and/or to night humidity and/or weather.
Make sure the external coating is not deteriorated and that the cushions do not absorb water.

Cleaning and preserving Wash with fresh water at each re-entering from navigation, do not use hydro-cleaners, brushes or abrasive sponges.
Let dry well in all its parts, especially the resting ones.
Windscreen/windows Regular cleaning
CAUTION

Rags and chamois leathers used for cleaning glass must be replaced at least every 3 months. The inner side of windows and windscreen can be cleaned with non-aggressive and non-acid detergents for glass and a soft or paper cloth.

CAUTION

If, after a normal cleaning, some traces of dirt or light scratches remain, do not try and remove them with mechanical means or using aggressive detergents, solvents or abrasive products. Contact RIVA After Sales & Service Department.

CAUTION

For cleaning the outer side of windows and windscreen:

  • Evenly wet the whole surface of the glass with plenty of fresh water.
  • Use a neutral detergent or a delicate commercial product (not alkaline) diluted in fresh water.
  • Spread the solution with a soft and clean cloth.
  • requently rinse the cloth in order to prevent deposits of dust or dirt particles which could scratch the glass or its glazed coating.
  • Rinse the soapy surface with plenty of fresh (or distilled) water.
  • We recommend drying the glass with chamois leather only.

For cleaning the windows and windscreen it is possible to use the same type of detergent used for internal cleaning (non-aggressive and non-acid).

Windscreen and deckhouse glass Inspection of seals
CAUTION

At least once every 6 months check the condition of the glass seals.
If you feel that the seals have deteriorated due to a wear, please contact RIVA After Sales & Service Department.

Light fittings Regular cleaning DO NOT use alcohol-based products to clean the light bodies.
Instrumentation and navigation lights Regular cleaning
(as required)
Use clean wet rags for cleaning.

MAINTENANCE

At least once a week, check the operation of the navigation lights.
At least once a week, carry out careful cleaning of glasses and headlights.
At least once every six months, check the presence of corrosion in the connections of the navigation light cables.
At least once every six months, tighten the cable connections of the navigation lights.

CAUTION

Do not use chemical or abrasive products.

After navigation, cover instrumentation and equipment.

Metal parts and connectors Regular cleaning
(as required)
Grease connectors and metal parts of the devices installed and exposed to moist and salty environment to prevent oxidation; pay particular attention to the above-mentioned components of the stern drive, control units, etc..
Fenders Regular cleaning
(as required)
Always keep all the fenders and their sleeves clean by washing regularly with fresh water, in order to prevent the salt deposited on them from scratching the paint of the hull.
Auxiliary deck equipment Cleaning and preserving Wash with fresh water and neutral products after each cruise.
Protect against oxidation by cleaning the surfaces with a vaseline oil-moistened cloth.
Main deck Cleaning and preserving Daily wash using soft brushes with neutral products and fresh water.
In case of surface damage or scratching, consult the Shipyard before undertaking repair.
Do not use solvents or corrosive products.
Polish metallic parts as described above.
Shower Checking and replacing gaskets
CAUTION

Carry out periodic maintenance and/or replacement of the shower box seals, in order to prevent water leakage.

CAUTION

The shower enclosures are made in such a way as to avoid water leaks outside the enclosure, under normal conditions of use of the shower. However, they do not have a watertight seal.

The functionality of the shower cubicles is subject to the use for which it was designed; the water tightness is therefore conditioned by the correct use.